Summertime Tips

Water your lawn early in the morning or later in the evening when the temperature is cooler; when you water early in the morning or in the evening it helps minimize evaporation and you can water LESS because more of the water is absorbed into your lawn.

Watering during the heat of the day can actually harm your lawn. "Scald" or "burn" damage occurs when hot sunlight hits water droplets that cling to foliage.

The droplets imitate powerful miniature magnifying glasses. A light sprinkling is the least effective method of watering. In fact, it can damage your lawn. A good soaking gets to the "root" of the problem by encouraging deep, solid root growth.

Adjust sprinkler systems so that only your lawn or plantings is watered and not the street, sidewalk, or the house.

Water Conservation

Never pour water down the drain when there may be another use for it such as watering a plant garden.

Do not let water run while shaving or washing your face. Brush your teeth first while waiting for water to get hot, then wash or shave after filing basin.

Repair dripping faucets indoor and outdoors by replacing washers, and don't forget to check sprinklers and hoses for leaks.

Verify your home is leak free. Many homes have hidden water leaks. Read your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter does not read exactly the same, there is a leak.

Instead of using a hose to clean off your driveway and sidewalks use a broom.

Frozen Pipes

Help protect your faucets and pipes from freezing during extreme cold periods, don't get left out in the cold with damaged water pipes. Damaged water pipes can not only be costly but can also create a waterlogged mess. The following are some useful ways to help avoid frozen water pipes:

• Drain pipes supplying outside water
• Wrap pipes and faucets along uninsulated outside walls
• Close off all air vents, access doors, cracks and broken windows under your home
• Keep your thermostat at 55 degrees Fahrenheit or above
• During severe freezes, let a faucet drip slowly
• Know where the master water shut-off valve is located in case of a burst pipe

If a pipe freezes you may try:

• Using a hair dryer to thaw the pipe, but always being careful to not use the hair dryer around standing water
• Wrap towels around cold sections of the pipe that have been soaked in hot water, you may even heat this water on the stove taking care not to scald yourself

If a pipe breaks:

• If the pipe is inside your home, turn the water supply off at the main valve and contact a plumber to make the necessary repairs
• Indoors or outdoors, service lines are the homeowner's responsibility and Gallatin Public Utilities recommends you regularly have your lines checked.

How To Perform A Leak Test

Use the guidelines below to determine if water is leaking somewhere on your property. Repairs of a leak on the homeowner's side of the water meter are the responsibility of the homeowner.

• Turn off all water.
• Be sure no water is being used while you perform this test.
• Locate the water meter and remove meter box lid. There may also be a plastic cover over the meter that will need to be lifted to view the meter.
• Take a few moments and observe the meter. The red dial should not be moving. If the dial is moving water is flowing through the meter.
• Record the meter reading by all numbers, left to right.
• Do not run any water for at least one hour.
• Then recheck the meter reading and record. The readings should be the same.
• If the reading has moved, it suggests a leak. Replace the lid to the meter box.

Check all faucets and toilets for leaks, drips, or a faulty lever on the commode. if you don't find an inside leak, its possible the problem is underground. Verification of repaired leaks may result in an adjustment to your water bill. For more information, contact Customer service at (615) 451-5922.